- >You pick up your cane and put on your fake smile.
- “It was a pleasure being here.”
- >”Aww please stay. Just for a little longer.”
- >Your smile turns a little more real.
- “If it’s alright with Ms. Case.”
- >”The children want you stay after all.”
- >You were hoping to get an early start at the tavern.
- >But it seems fate had another thing planned.
- “Alright, one more story.”
- >The children screechy happily as you sit back down.
- >You’d been working the local orphanage for the past year or two.
- >Has it really been so long since you left?
- >Anyways, they mainly just need someone to help repair this and that.
- >On occasion though, you actually get to see the children.
- >Since you’re the only human in the known world, they were bound to have questions.
- >Their caretaker was a kind mare, and she took good care of the kids.
- >She could only entertain them for so long however.
- >And that’s where you came in.
- >You sit down on the couch next to Ms. Cane, the children sprawled out on the floor.
- “Which story do you want to hear today?”
- >As an adventurer, you had a novel’s worth of stories at your disposal.
- >The kids were in awe at your gusto.
- >They even made their own stories with you, which they’d tell as if it were true.
- >Those were some good times, but that stuff’s long behind you now.
- >”How about the one with the dragon!”
- “Which one?”
- >”There were more than one!?”
- >Oh lord these kids are easy to entertain.
- >A filly pulls at your pant sleeve.
- >”Umm, excuse me.”
- >”HEY! We want him to tell us a story.”
- >You hush her fellows, recognizing the little girl.
- >She was always the shy one of the bunch, and never talked to you.
- >Until now that is.
- “Yes dear?”
- >”Could you tell us about your latest adventure?” she asks in the sweetest little voice.
- >Your last adventure…
- >Why not?
- >You pull the little filly onto your lap and stroke her mane.
- “My last adventure. That certainly is a story.”
- >”Yeah! Tell us that one!”
- >Ms. Cane looks at you worriedly.
- >”You don’t have to if you don’t want to.”
- “I know,” you nod, “but they asked.”
- >Where to begin?
- >The start is always a good place.
- “My journey began here, in this very city. I just came from over the Torgal Sea, determind to find my next adventure…”
- >You make sure to avoid the R-Rated content, as not to corrupt these poor souls.
- >They cheered for you at the start, and then you spoke of the avalanche.
- >Their faces turned pale when you spoke of how you were broken and betrayed.
- >You didn’t use real names, as not to tarnish your enemies’ reputations.
- >They needed something after all.
- >And then you spoke of the mane 6.
- >The mood turned up indeed at that point.
- >Fluttershy showed you kindness, Twilight empathy, Rarity understanding, Applejack trust, and Pinkie Pie…
- >Your face turns red, eyes heavy with moisture.
- >The little filly turns her head to you.
- >”Is something wrong?”
- >You put on a fake smile again and choke down the tears.
- “I think I should stop there for today.”
- >”But whyyyy?” the children whine.
- >”Now children, Anon’s had a long day. He’ll be back tomorrow right?”
- “Yeah…”
- >You hoist yourself up on your cane, Ms. Cane escorting you to the door.
- >She shuts the door behind her, helping you down the steps.
- >Los Pegasus sure is busy at this time of day.
- >”Are you sure you’re alright? You looked like you were about to break down in there.”
- “It was a personal story, but one that shouldn’t be hidden.”
- >”I understand.”
- >No she doesn’t, but you don’t that against her.
- >”Let me make it up to you. I know this nice restaurant that just opened up…”
- >A date? She played it cool, but you could see what it was.
- “I’d love to, but I can’t, sorry.”
- >”Oh… That’s alright. Did you have plans?”
- “Yeah. You could say that. Same time tomorrow ma’am.”
- >”Same time…”
- >You escape into the crowd, though it’s hard to blend in when you tower over the inhabitants.
- >You pull the cloak over your head and head through the back-alleys.
- >Nop0ny traverses these sections in fear of being mugged.
- >It’s part of the reason you feel so safe in them.
- >You find the backdoor to the tavern ajar, the owner loading in a cart of ale.
- >”Just in time Anon, you mind giving me a hand?”
- >He always puts emphasis on the word ‘hand,’ his idea of a joke maybe.
- “No problem sir.”
- >You hoist a barrel over your shoulder, carrying it inside.
- >It’s not easy to hold onto with one hand, but you manage.
- >You load four more barrels into the storage room.
- >”You sure are *handy* to have around.”
- “Yeah yeah, laugh it up.”
- >”Don’t get all sensitive. I’m only joking.”
- “I know… it just gets hard to laugh at sometimes.”
- >”Trouble at work?”
- “It’s all in the past.”
- >Truer words have never been said.
- >”Thanks for the help anyways. Drinks are on the house tonight.”
- “I’ll make you regret that.”
- >You find your usual seat in the back corner of the main room.
- >The waitress brings over a fresh mug and biscuit tray.
- >Weird custom, but you don’t complain.
- >You rest you head on the table after a gulp of ale.
- >This isn’t what you had in mind by settling down.
- >But it’ll have to do.
- >Tonight you shall live like a king.
- >With free booze and bread.
- >What’s not to like?
- >At least the alcohol numbs most of your body.
- >It makes those painkillers last a bit longer when you’re not popping them like vitamins.
- >”Another mug sweetheart?”
- “I think I’m- Wait…”
- >You recognize that voice.
- >”Or do you want something a little special?”
- >The mare sits next to you, you’d recognize that pearly skin and pink hair anywhere.
- >”What’s the matter? Cat got your tongue?”
- “What are you doing here?”
- >”Just here for the yearly convention.”
- “Well, this has been quite the surprise Ms. Redheart.”
- >”Care to buy a lady a drink?”
- “It depends, are you going to poison mine?”
- >She reaches into her bag, “Sorry, it seems I left it at home. Rats.”
- “In that case, I might as well.”
- >You flag down the waitress who brings a cup for your old friend.
- >”Thanks for that.”
- “Your welcome.”
- >You drink your ale happily, the little slice of your past invigorating you.
- “So what’s new back at Ponyville?”
- >”Not much really. Things have been really quiet since you left.”
- >That takes a load off your mind.
- >You were worried something had happened in your absence.
- “Well, that’s good to hear.”
- >”Not everyone would agree.”
- “And what exactly do you mean by that?”
- >”It’s not important.”
- >Not important?
- >You slam your fist on the table.
- “It’s important to me!”
- >”Alright alright, just calm down.”
- >She’s right, deep breathes, in and out.
- >Once you think you’ve calmed down enough you ask again.
- >”The town has been kinda dead lately, and before you ask, it’s not literally dead. Just quiet.”
- “That doesn’t sound like the Ponyville I remember.”
- >”Because it isn’t. Things have changed Anon, and not for the better.”
- “How’re my friends? Are they alright?”
- “Yeah they’re fine, except for Pinkie anyhow.”
- >Shit… shit shit shit.
- “What happened?”
- >”She’s really the reason things have gotten so bad. All she wanted to do was make people smile…”
- >You left her there…
- >”Now all she wants to is stay in her house. She hasn’t left for almost a year now.”
- >You did this to her.
- >You have to go back there.
- >You made a promise to leave…
- >But that doesn’t mean you wouldn’t go back.
- >”Anon?”
- “I’m going back to Ponyville.”
- >She laughs openly, “That’s a good one. You almost sounded serious.”
- >You get up from your chair, leaving your mug on the table.
- “Because I am.”
- >She follows you as you head up the stairs.
- >”You can’t be serious. You know what’ll happen if you go back.”
- “And what makes you think I care?”
- >You find your room and start to pack.
- “I spent the last two years hiding in this hole trying to forget about her. I won’t let her suffer that fate as well.”
- >She didn’t let go. You fled from her.
- >And it’s time to go back.
- >”I can’t let you get yourself killed Anon.”
- “Since when did you care? If I recall you wanted me dead.”
- >”I cared since I heard more about you. I know what you’ve been doing here.”
- >She’s talking about the orphanage isn’t she?
- “It’s just a job, nothing more.”
- >She blocks you as you try to move.
- >”I think you wanted to make up for what you did. There’s plenty of better paying work in this city.”
- “Maybe this was the only job I could get, but it doesn’t matter I’ll be gone by morning.”
- >You manage your way past her, pushing downstairs.
- >”You know what this is? It’s expensive as hay I’ll tell you that.”
- >Ughh… Adventure ponies. Blind from what’s really important.
- >”I could buy up every inn in Los Pegasus with this vile, and I got two more like it.”
- >You recognize that band…
- >”Want to take another guess old man?”
- >You take the last step to the ground floor, your cane echoing through the room.
- “I reckon that’s called Dragon’s Breath, and there’s only one way to get that.”
- >”And that’s to kill a- a… Anon?”
- “Did you miss me?”
- >”You… You died! We…”
- “Assumption is the mother of all fuck-ups.”
- >You step towards them, the ponies backing away in fear.
- “I’m not going to hurt you.”
- >”And how do I know that?”
- “Because you’re not use to me dead.”
- >It was a stroke of luck finding these guys.
- >You turn to the owner behind the bar.
- “This should cover my room. It was nice staying here.”
- >”Sad to see you go. You’re quite handy.”
- “Indeed I am,” you chuckle.”
- >You look back to the frozen band of p0nies.
- “You took what’s mine and claimed it as your own. You owe me a favor I reckon.”
- >”If you want it back-“
- “Keep it. I don’t need it anymore, but what I do need is a ride.”
- >”Anon please listen to me,” Nurse Redheart whispers in your ear.
- “I appreciate the thought, but it’s time for me to go.”
- >”Think of the children, you can’t just leave them.”
- >You can’t leave them on their own, but you can keep them in good hands.
- >”Give me one of those vials.”
- >The squire doesn’t hesitate and tosses it to you.
- >You reach into your pack and pull out your journal.
- >You give both to Nurse Redheart.
- “Give these to Ms. Case, it’ll do her good.”
- >”There’s no convincing you is there?”
- “I’m afraid not. See you back home.”
- >You walk out the door, the streets blackened and desolate.
- >”So where do you want us to take you?”
- >You walk towards the wagon, your old entourage in tow.
- “Back to Ponyville.”
- >You step out of the carriage, a puff of dust lifting into the air.
- >This place really is depressing.
- >”Are we free to go?”
- >You turn back and smile.
- “Give me your word, all of you.”
- >”Anything sir.”
- “I want you to pick up my quest. Go from town to town doing what needs to be done, not for glory, but for what’s right.”
- >The squire salutes, turning the wagon around.
- >Ponyville… how quaint.
- >You walk slowly down the road and into the town.
- >There’s no rush to greet you, no screams of terror. Only silence.
- >You pass through the market, stopping to buy an apple on the way.
- >Big Mac’s at the stall.
- >He looks at you with his unchanging expression.
- >”Two bits.”
- >You pay your dues, savoring the rich flavor.
- >No one made apple like the Apple family.
- >”Good to have you back.”
- “Good to be back.”
- >You keep on down the road, recalling the scenery.
- >Twilight’s tree house still stands, though the fall leaves have turned a vibrant orange.
- >You see the boutique, paying it a ceremonial nod.
- >But you’re looking for a more specific piece of architecture.
- >Where the walls themselves are sugar and sweet.
- >Sugarcube Corner.
- >It’s just like you remembered.
- >The ponies stop and stare, a small entourage of ponies closing in on you.
- >And smack dab in the front is your old friend.
- “Always a pleasure Filthy Rich.”
- >”How nice of you to join us again. It saves me the trouble of hunting you down.”
- “I’m not here to cause any trouble.”
- >”Then you’re more foolish then I thought.”
- >You stroke your cane, showing it off.
- “I may not have a sword or bow to intimidate you with, but this comes off as a close second.”
- >You hold it out, twirling it in your hand.
- “Verawood, top-of-the-line material right here. I had a guy who owed me a favor. Polished prim and proper. Great handiwork really.”
- >You step towards the older stallion.
- “I could knock a human out in a single blow, and you’re not as tough as I ever was.”
- >You withdraw your cane, planting it back down on the ground.
- “But that would be a waste of such workmanship.”
- >You stand inches away from the stallion, whispering in his ear.
- “You won’t forgive me for what I did, but do yourself a favor and forget.”
- >”We both know that as long as you’re here, I will never stop.”
- >True words.
- “Then I won’t waste anymore of your time.”
- >You walk past him, leaving him behind you.
- >”You were hurt before, you can be hurt again.
- “And my friends were there for me before.”
- >He doesn’t attempt to follow you.
- >He knows better.
- >His mind game failed, and he’s out of moves.
- >For now…
- >But now, you need to find your special somep0ny.
- >You walk into Sugarcube Corner, the smell of frosting and cinnamon butter absent.
- >The Cakes see you walk in, unflinching.
- “Upstairs?”
- >They nod, “She doesn’t take visitors.”
- “You going to stop me?”
- >”We’re just letting you know she may not be what you expected.”
- >You thank them and head for the stairs.
- “Pinkie is always full of surprises.”
- >You place your foot atop the stairs and climb.
- “Pinkie Pie?”
- >You heave upwards, advancing.
- >”Yes?”
- >You reach the top of the stairs.
- “How do you do it? Stay happy all the time that is.”
- >You find her room and open the door, the hinges creaking.
- >”I think of something I like and don’t let go.”
- >She’s pale, paler than you’ve ever seen her, sitting on the edge of the bed.
- >How could you do this to her?
- >You step inside, closing the door behind you.
- “And if you do?”
- >The floor creaks as you walk to her.
- >”Then you let it go and hope it comes back.”
- >You sit next to her, wrapping your arm around her.
- “Just like that?”
- >She presses into you, her tears trailing down your arm.
- >”Just like that.”
- >It’s good to be home.
- ---------------------------------- Leads to Anons in Equestria -------------------------------------
- >You manage to grab the sugar from the top shelf.
- >Not an easy feat with the cane.
- >It sure would be nice to start over.
- >”You gonna pour it in silly?”
- >You smile and deposit a scoop into the mixing bowl, Pinkie covered in cookie dough and frosting.
- >But why would you ever want when you already have Pinkie?
- >You open the oven and slide the fresh rack of dough inside.
- >Ah, you press a finger to your temple and lean against the counter.
- >Damn this is one hell of a migraine.
- “Hey Pinkie can you hand me my pills?”
- >”Okie dokie lo-“
- >She freezes as she holds out the bottle.
- “Pinkie you okay?”
- >”Anon,” her tail twitches, then her eye, leg…
- >Her Pinkie Senses have been going haywire lately, but nothing like this.
- >You hold onto Pinkie as her body begins to spasm.
- “It’s alright Pinkie I’m here. I’m-
- >Another spike of pain pierces your mind.
- >You fall to the floor holding onto your cane.
- >You grab hold of your bottle, Pinkie settling down.
- >She looks to you, and you to her.
- >A searing white light surrounds you, the world as you know it fading away.
- >Your senses dim to the point of nonexistence.
- >A feeling of weightlessness takes you, ended by a thud as you hit the cold ground.
- >Your eyes open to the treetops.
- >Where- How’d you get here? Where’s Sugarcube Corner?
- >You work your way to your feet, your pills at your feet.
- >A shot fire from deeper within this forest.
- >You’d experimented with guns in the past but they always blew up in your face, this one… it works.
- >Nop0ny has mastered such creation yet.
- >There’s only one other species you know of that has such technology.
- >You know how people can be, how you used to be.
- >If they’re here, then Equestria’s in danger.
- >You pick up your pills and head towards the sound.
- >You can kick ass one last time.
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Adventure Anon: Chapter 9 (Adventure's End)
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